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Welcome to Duntroon School, the BEST school in the country:

• B - Believe in Yourself • E - Empowered to Learn •

• S - Socially Responsible • T - Thinkers and Learners for Life •

ABOUT US

Welcome to Duntroon School

The BEST We Can Be | Ko te pai e taea e tātou

Established in 1879, Duntroon School carries a proud heritage as a cherished heart of our local community. Tucked into a picturesque township bounded by State Highway 83, Livingstone Street, and the Maerewhenua River, our school welcomes children from across a wide rural catchment—spanning Campbell Park in the west, Blackpoint to the east, and Danseys Pass to the south, with three dedicated bus runs bringing our students together each day.

We are fortunate to learn and grow in an extraordinary natural setting. Set against a backdrop of ancient history, rich geological formations, and world-renowned fossils, our school is uniquely situated within a UNESCO Global Geopark. This landscape serves as a living classroom, inspiring curiosity and wonder in equal measure.

For students from Year 0 to 8, we offer stimulating, engaging, and rich learning experiences tailored to help every child thrive. Our dedicated, collaborative team of educators works hand-in-hand with a supportive Board of Trustees and a vibrant local community to foster an environment where children feel valued and encouraged.

At the heart of everything we do are our core values: Honesty, Respect, Perseverance, Cooperation, and Inclusion. These principles bring life to our overarching vision: "The BEST We Can Be" (Ko te pai e taea e tātou).

B – Believe in myself
E – Empowered to learn
S – Socially responsible
T – Thinkers and learners for life

Ngā mihi nui

What's happening at Duntroon School?

Latest Notices

Flu bug

24 Aug 2026

Well the flu bug has arrived at Duntroon School in full force!

Half the students and 3 teachers away. Luckily we had Mrs Kingan with us today which was a great help.

The buses are still running but obviously will be a little quicker as not as many students to stop for.

Please keep your children at home if they have any flu like symptoms as it moves very quickly.

Thanks everyone.

Earthquakes bus run is now ok - possibly later / Eastern Rd will run later too

19 Aug 2026

Hi again.

Look out for the minivan, private vehicles and a different bus than usual.

Please contact Sarah if need: 027 4349068

Thank you.

Delays with the Earthquakes bus - more info to follow

19 Aug 2026

Hello.

We're waiting to hear more from GoBus. Please check for an update soon.

Thank you

North Otago Cross Country is still on

10 Aug 2026

A message from the organisers of todays event.

Kia ora Team,
The North Otago Primary Schools Cross Country will be going ahead this afternoon.
Please ensure that children dress appropriately for the weather and that their shoelaces are tied securely.
There will be no jumps on the course due to the course being wet (apart from the fence the children have to go over to get into the paddock closest to the finish line).
The weather is supposed to clear and although it will be a bit muddy underfoot, these are good cross country running conditions.
Volunteers and spectators, please make sure you also are dressed for the conditions.

Cross Country 5th August @ Omarama

3 Aug 2026

Kia ora whanau

We are lookiong forward to seeing everyone at the Rural Schools Cross Country event. Please have the kids well prepped for fairly cold conditions for Wednesday 5th August at Omarama. They have been training hard and always represent Duntroon well. As I said in the school newsletter, school is open and this is a school event, full participation is expected. Buses will not be running on Wednesday.

Event information:

Please arrive betwen 9:30-9:45am
Cars to be parked by the roadside carpark area, not in the saleyard area.
Students will meet with their class teacher. A safety briefing will be held and then marshals move to their positions.
Races start at 10:30am with Year 1 girls/boys then progress through the year levels finishing with Year 8 boys. Attached is the course map.

Travel arrangements:

Kate Frear has worked hard to co-ordinate the students who require transport to Omarama with people who have kindly offered a ride to them. If there are any last-minute changes to travel arrangements (e.g. students are in different cars than originally planned), please ring Kate Frear at school 0272161249 to ensure records are updated. Any changes to these arrangements should only be made after seeking school approval.

Our EOTC policy for Duntroon school parents who are transporting their own children is that the responsibility is with the parents is to ensure the following:

Any private vehicle used for EOTC transport must be registered, appropriately insured, and have a current warrant of fitness.
All drivers providing transport must have their full driver licence, even if they are only transporting their own children.
Drivers and passengers must use appropriate seatbelts/restraints at all times. This means using a restraint suitable for the passenger's age and size/height, and seating anyone under 15 years in the back seat if a seat is available.

Clear processes like these ensure safety, transparency, and peace of mind for everyone involved.

Look forward to seeing you at the event.

Sarah Caldwell